What You Need to Know

A commercial photographer takes photos for organizations, corporations, nonprofits, small businesses, and government agencies. To apply for work, you need to create a portfolio, which is often compiled within a degree program.

Degrees

Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Photography or Fine Art

What Opportunities Exist for Commercial Photographers?

As a commercial photographer, your photos could be included in a variety of materials, such as annual reports, catalogs, magazines, and websites. With such a wide variety of opportunities, you can focus on a particular style, such as black and white, or choose to specialize in a particular industry that complements your artistic style, like fashion. You can shoot in a studio, or on location, taking photos of buildings, people, or products. You can choose to work as a freelance contractor, or work in a lab as a photographer or photographer's assistant.

What Skills Do I Need?

You must be creative, have an eye for detail, understand lighting, and be able to capture emotion in pictures. You must also be able to work the equipment and stay aware of cutting-edge techniques and technologies to stay competitive. While you can build a career using digital photography, knowledge of classic darkroom techniques compliments your skill set. You don't need formal training to be hired, but a degree could make you competitive in the field.

What Education Programs Are Available?

You can find commercial photography courses in associate and bachelor's degree programs in fine art or photography. Some art schools also offer the program online, giving you the flexibility of earning a degree around your schedule. You can also find master's degree programs in art and photography that offer advanced instruction and training in commercial photography.

What Can I Expect from a Degree Program?

When studying for a degree in photography, you'll take courses in lighting, darkroom techniques and photography techniques. Your program may or may not include an internship, but you'll typically put together a portfolio of the work you complete while in school. You'll typically learn about advertising strategies and photo editing software. You could also have the opportunity to take business courses that teach you how to run an organized freelance business.

The schools in the listing below are not free and may include sponsored
content but are popular choices among our users. Tuition and costs will vary across programs and locations.
Be sure to always request tuition information before starting a program.

William T McFatter Technical College

Campus Locations:

Western Iowa Tech Community College

Campus Locations:

Campus Locations:

Waubonsee Community College

Campus Locations:

Illinois:
Sugar Grove

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Recommended Schools

The schools in the listing below are not free and may include sponsored content but are
popular
choices among our users. Tuition and costs will vary across programs and locations. Be sure to always request tuition information
before
starting a program.